Jay Villegas, Vice President at Frontier Air Conditioning, shares the story of transforming a family business into a multi-million dollar enterprise. He reveals how they leverage AI to optimize operations and emphasizes the value of hiring for attitude over skills. Jay discusses the significance of structured processes and service agreements in maintaining customer loyalty and steady revenue. He also highlights the benefits of using management tools like Housecall Pro, along with the support from the community, which has been vital to their success.
Establishing a physical storefront enhanced professionalism, attracting better talent, and improving operational structure for the family-owned business.
Shifting the hiring strategy to prioritize cultural fit and mindset over technical skills fosters a proactive and accountable workforce.
Deep dives
The Importance of Storefronts in Business Growth
Establishing a physical storefront is highlighted as a crucial step in scaling a business. The speaker emphasizes that a dedicated space not only enhances professionalism but also improves hiring processes, as potential employees are more likely to take a company seriously when it has a physical presence. This change helped to create a better company image and allowed for a more structured environment for operations. Moving from a home-based operation to a storefront significantly boosted the company's ability to attract talent and grow effectively.
Hiring: Prioritizing Attitude Over Skills
The hiring strategy has shifted from focusing primarily on technical skills to prioritizing attitude and fit within the company’s culture. During interviews, the use of entrepreneurial assessment questions helps gauge candidates' potential to take ownership and accountability in their roles. For example, asking candidates to share their thoughts on improving a favorite store serves to reveal their problem-solving skills and customer service mindset. This approach emphasizes the belief that employees with the right mindset will continually develop their skills over time.
Rebranding Service Agreements to Drive Membership
Rebranding service agreements into a member-focused program, notably called the Cowboy Cool Club, has proven effective in enhancing customer engagement and increasing recurring revenue. This approach simplifies how these agreements are perceived, creating a sense of community among customers. By presenting the memberships in a non-pushy manner and incentivizing technicians to promote them, the company has seen significant growth in memberships sold. This persistence in promoting service memberships helps stabilize business during off-peak seasons, maintaining steady income throughout the year.
Leveraging CRM for Efficient Operations
The implementation of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is deemed essential for maintaining smooth operational flows and tracking customer data. By transitioning to a robust CRM like Housecall Pro, the company has enabled comprehensive management of customer interactions, appointments, and service agreements. The efficiency gained through this digital tool allows for better customer retention and streamlining of everyday operations. Continuous updates and a user-friendly interface in the CRM contribute significantly to the business's responsiveness and overall success.
Jay Villegas, Vice President at Frontier Air Conditioning, shares how a little family-owned business scaled up to become a multi-million-dollar company. He also discusses how they implement AI, the qualities they look for in employees, the power of delegation, and the importance of service agreements for recurring revenue and customer retention. One key to their success has been implementing management checklists using Housecall Pro to streamline operations and improve customer service. Jay also praises the Housecall Pro community for its valuable insights and support. Frontier has won the prestigious Carrier Presence Award five years in a row.
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